Google Glass to get upgrade, will fit prescription glasses

Existing Google Glass Explorers will be able to trade in their Google Glass for an updated model that can fit prescription glasses and shades.

Google has been working on making its headset more accessible, with a free trade-in for the upgraded model for existing Google Glass users who purchased their Google Glass before October 28, 2013.

"Explorers will have a one-time option to swap out their existing Glass for a new one," Google wrote in a Google+ post. "This hardware update will allow your Glass to work with future lines of shades and prescription frames, and we'll also include a mono earbud."

Users will be notified in the coming weeks on how to exchange their Google Glass and will have 60 days from the commencement of the swap program to do so.

Google Glass Explorers — that is, developers and early adopters who are helping Google develop the device — will also be able to invite friends to join the Explorer program. "Over the next few weeks, all Explorers will have the opportunity to invite three friends to join the program," Google wrote. "They'll be able to buy Glass online and can have it shipped to their home, office, tree house or igloo. We're counting on you to get Glass to the people you think will make great Explorers."

This seems to confirm a report in the Financial Times that Google is speeding up Glass production. An unnamed source told the paper that Google will be releasing tens of thousands more units in the coming months — a vast increase, since only around 10,000 Google Glass headsets are currently in the wild.

Google Glass is expected to hit the commercial market sometime next year.